LAHORE – The Youm-e-Ashur, marking the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussain (RA), his family members and companions during the battle of Karbala, was observed peacefully with religious zeal amid tight security.
Not a single untoward incident or terrorist attack was witnessed on the occasion highlighting good performance of the security forces and intelligence agencies. Besides the main Zuljinah procession, which was taken out from the Nisar Haveli inside the Mochi Gate, over 300 majalis and 40 other small processions were organised in the city during Ashura to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
Sabeels were also established along the routes of various Zuljinah processions and free milk was distributed amongst all mourners. Sabeels were set up to seek God’s blessings for serving free milk to people keeping in mind the thirst of the martyrs of Karbala whose water supply was cut by Yazid’s army.
The main Zuljinah procession, which had a 165-year-old history attached to it, was taken out from the Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate on Friday at around 11pm amid tight security. Thousands of mourners including women participated in the procession and beat themselves with sharp objects for mourning the martyrs of Karbala. Other small processions also joined the main procession and made their way towards the Karbala Gamay Shah at the Lower Mall.
Close circuit television (CCTV) cameras and jammers were installed as part of the security arrangements for the main procession. Ambulances, bomb disposal squads and paramedics also accompanied the main procession and medical staff was seen providing aid to bleeding mourners.
Despite the City District Government Lahore’s (CDGL) instructions, people living in the Walled City witnessed the main procession from their rooftops and windows. All routes leading to the main procession were sealed owing to security concerns. CDGL staff was also seen sprinkling rosewater along the procession’s route for environmental and hygienic purposes.
Usually the main procession takes a few hours to reach its final destination but this year, the procession took 24 hours to reach its conclusion owing to large numbers of mourners. The main procession was always considered to be a challenge for the law enforcement agencies but this time, they succeeded in doing their job well.
Mourners also observed Shaam-e-Gharibaan at the Karbala Gamay Shah where metal detectors aand walk-thorough gates were used for security purposes and helicopters were seen hovering in the sky to monitor security arrangements put in place.
Shia clerics highlighted various aspects of the Youm-e-Ashur and Ashura and Imam Hussain’s (RA) life. They said that his martyrdom gave a message of love and tolerance and all Muslims should follow the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson’s footsteps to ensure Islam’s protection. “Thanks to God who blessed the Zuljinnah procession that reached its final destination peacefully,” an organiser said.
